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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind <IOF@nfb.org> <br><b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, January 15, 2025 9:04 AM<br><b>To:</b> Frank Loza <floza58@bellsouth.net><br><b>Subject:</b> Imagineering Our Future: Believe in Blind People<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p><o:p> </o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%'><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=600 style='width:6.25in'><tr><td style='background:#FEFFFF;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=left width="100%" style='width:100.0%'><tr><td width="100%" valign=top style='width:100.0%;background:#FEFFFF;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td style='padding:18.75pt 18.75pt 18.75pt 18.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=37176&qid=10875900"><span style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=100 height=100 style='width:1.0416in;height:1.0416in' id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:~WRD0002.jpg" alt="Image removed by sender. National Federation of the Blind Logo - Go to NFB.org"></span></a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><h1><strong><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>IMAGINEERING OUR FUTURE</span></strong><o:p></o:p></h1><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></div></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td></tr><tr><td style='background:white;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;border-color:initial'><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=600 style='width:6.25in'><tr><td width="100%" valign=top style='width:100.0%;background:white;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=1 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%'><tr><td colspan=2 style='padding:1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt'><h2><strong><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>President's Letter</span></strong><o:p></o:p></h2></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in'><img border=0 width=100 height=100 style='width:1.0416in;height:1.0416in' id="Picture_x0020_3" src="cid:~WRD0002.jpg" alt="Image removed by sender. Mark Riccobono speaking from a podium while reading Braille notes"></span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='padding:1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt'><p><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>A focus on Braille in January is a great way to kick off the new year because it signifies our core belief in the full capacity of blind people. Braille literacy is an important skill that helps level the playing field for the blind. <a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=37177&qid=10875900"><span style='color:#002F6D'>More from President Riccobono</span></a>.</span><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan=2 style='padding:1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt'><h2><strong><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>NFB Events Showcase Our Belief in Blind People</span></strong><o:p></o:p></h2></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in'><img border=0 width=100 height=100 style='width:1.0416in;height:1.0416in' id="Picture_x0020_4" src="cid:~WRD0002.jpg" alt="Image removed by sender. Blind mentors work with students in a Braille writing center"></span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='padding:1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt'><p><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>One of our core values is a belief in blind people that permeates our organization. This value is emphasized in our publications, events, and at every membership meeting of the NFB. <a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=37178&qid=10875900"><span style='color:#002F6D'>Learn more about how blind people lead our organization</span></a>.</span><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan=2 style='padding:1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt'><h2><strong><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Latest News at the NFB</span></strong><o:p></o:p></h2></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in'><img border=0 width=100 height=100 style='width:1.0416in;height:1.0416in' id="Picture_x0020_5" src="cid:~WRD0002.jpg" alt="Image removed by sender. Louis Braille US Silver Dollar images"></span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='padding:1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt'><p><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Celebration of World Braille Day and Braille literacy, legislative priorities for Washington Seminar announced, and FTC orders a software provider to pay a fine for misrepresenting accessibility claims. <a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=37179&qid=10875900"><span style='color:#002F6D'>Read the latest news</span></a>.</span><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan=2 style='padding:1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt'><h2><strong><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Take Action this Month</span></strong><o:p></o:p></h2></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in'><img border=0 width=100 height=100 style='width:1.0416in;height:1.0416in' id="Picture_x0020_6" src="cid:~WRD0002.jpg" alt="Image removed by sender. Access On podcast logo"></span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='padding:1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt'><p><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Read the Convention Bulletin and book your hotel room for the National Convention in New Orleans, listen to our latest podcast episodes, and share information in our public service announcements. <a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=37180&qid=10875900"><span style='color:#002F6D'>More ways to get involved</span></a>.</span><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan=2 style='padding:1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt'><h2><strong><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Important Dates</span></strong><o:p></o:p></h2></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in'><img border=0 width=100 height=100 style='width:1.0416in;height:1.0416in' id="Picture_x0020_7" src="cid:~WRD0002.jpg" alt="Image removed by sender. NFB members at the Great Gathering-In in Washington DC"></span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='padding:1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt'><p><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>We certainly are a busy organization, with events happening nationally and virtually to kick off the year. Mark your calendars for these upcoming seminars, trainings, and events. <a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=37181&qid=10875900"><span style='color:#002F6D'>Check out the calendar of events</span></a>.</span><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><div><p><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=37177&qid=10875900"><span style='font-size:13.5pt;color:#002F6D'>Read the complete issue online</span></a></span><o:p></o:p></p></div><p><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines blind people or their future. Every day we raise the expectations of and for blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. We can live the lives we want; blindness is not what holds us back. Please join us in our work by becoming a member, attending an event, sharing this newsletter, or supporting our programs.</span><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table></div></td></tr><tr style='height:6.0pt'><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;height:6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><span style='display:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=600 style='width:6.25in;background:#002F6D'><tr style='height:45.0pt'><td width=135 style='width:101.25pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;height:45.0pt'></td><td width=55 style='width:41.25pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;height:45.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:white'><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=37182&qid=10875900"><span style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=100 height=100 style='width:1.0416in;height:1.0416in' id="Picture_x0020_8" src="cid:~WRD0002.jpg" alt="Image removed by sender. 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Instagram Logo"></span></a></span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=55 style='width:41.25pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;height:45.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:white'><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=37185&qid=10875900"><span style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=100 height=100 style='width:1.0416in;height:1.0416in' id="Picture_x0020_11" src="cid:~WRD0002.jpg" alt="Image removed by sender. YouTube Logo"></span></a></span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=55 style='width:41.25pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;height:45.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:white'><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=37186&qid=10875900"><span style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=100 height=100 style='width:1.0416in;height:1.0416in' id="Picture_x0020_12" src="cid:~WRD0002.jpg" alt="Image removed by sender. Email Icon Image"></span></a></span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=55 style='width:41.25pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;height:45.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:white'><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=37187&qid=10875900"><span style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=100 height=100 style='width:1.0416in;height:1.0416in' id="Picture_x0020_13" src="cid:~WRD0002.jpg" alt="Image removed by sender. Donate to the NFB Icon."></span></a></span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=135 style='width:101.25pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;height:45.0pt'></td></tr><tr style='height:18.75pt'><td colspan=8 style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;height:18.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:white'>National Federation of the Blind | 200 E Wells Street | Baltimore, MD 21230 | 410-659-9314 <o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr style='height:18.75pt'><td colspan=8 style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;height:18.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:white'><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/unsubscribe?reset=1&jid=24373&qid=10875900&h=f49dd22984e2d1ae" title=Unsubscribe><span style='color:white'>Unsubscribe from this mailing list</span></a> | <a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/optout?reset=1&jid=24373&qid=10875900&h=f49dd22984e2d1ae" title="Opt Out"><span style='color:white'>Opt out of all mailing lists</span></a> | <a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=37188&qid=10875900" title="Sign up for email newsletter"><span style='color:white'>Sign up for our newsletter</span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan=8 style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span class=street-address><b><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:white'>200 East Wells Street at Jernigan Place</span></b></span><b><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:white'><br><span class=locality>Baltimore</span><span class=adr>, </span><span class=region>MD</span><span class=adr> </span><span class=postal-code>21230</span><br><span class=country-name>United States</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:white'>.. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in'><img border=0 width=1 height=1 style='width:.0104in;height:.0104in' id="Picture_x0020_14" src="cid:~WRD0002.jpg" alt="Image removed by sender."><img border=0 width=1 height=1 style='width:.0104in;height:.0104in' id="Picture_x0020_15" src="cid:~WRD0002.jpg" alt="Image removed by sender."></span><o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>